Trump's increased tariffs on China (now 125%) led to swift retaliation from Beijing, escalating a trade war. Unlike the previous conflict, experts argue China now has more leverage due to a decreased reliance on the US market, a more resilient economy, and strategic tools like rare earth dominance and the ability to target US agriculture and tech.  China also sees this as an opportunity to expand its global influence, potentially strengthening ties with nations in East Asia and Europe, and weakening the US dollar's international standing.  While the tariffs will impact China, Beijing appears confident in its ability to retaliate and exploit the strategic openings created by Trump's broader trade policies.